Penn State Extension Leadership Network team member Mariah Stollar developed and delivered a mindfulness program for Pennsylvania 4-H’ers. The program is a two-hour workshop that introduces youth to the concept of mindfulness. Youth also try out mindfulness activities and set goals for mindfulness practice.

More specifically, youth learned about the concepts of mindfulness and mindful living, ways to practice mindfulness, and how mindfulness relates to leadership and 4-H. Youth also set personal goals for practicing mindfulness after the workshop.

Overall, youth seemed to enjoy the activities and engage with the sessions. One youth from the pilot session shared, “It helped me relax.” Another youth said: “If I’m stressed about anything, I can use breath awareness.” When asked how mindfulness could help you be a better 4-H’er, another shared, “If you’re the president…if they’re all talking at once you won’t just flip out on them.”

At Camp Kanesatake, one participant shared a broader application, “Mindfulness can help you work in a group better.” Another commented on the goal-setting: “I liked being able to set our own goals so that we could apply them after the workshop.” Youth also discussed how it was nice to take a break and breath from the busyness of their days at camp. A couple participants shared they learned things that could help them manage anger and other negative emotions.

Another youth shared that they thought mindfulness could apply to 4-H club activities and service events.

The pilot program at the Pennsylvania 4-H Junior State Leadership Conference reached 14 participants. At Camp Kanesatake, 48 youth were reached. Mariah also plans to deliver the program in July at Camp Hervida in Ohio.

Continue to check the Penn State Extension Leadership Network blog and Facebook page for updates on Mariah’s project.

Mariah Stollar is a Graduate Research Assistant in Penn State’s department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education. Her research and teaching interests are youth and adult leadership, with a focus on mindfulness. You can contact her at mks370@psu.edu.